TEMPO.CO, Gresik - The government has been intensively boosting Indonesia’s competitive power in preparation for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) that will begin at the end of this year. All parties are expected to attract investment and capital flow to Indonesia so that Indonesia can compete with other countries.

President Joko Widodo said there are three countries that will become tough competitors for Indonesia. “Our toughest competitors are Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia,” he said on Wednesday.

Jokowi said these competitors can attract investors and are fast in providing facilities. “There is one that fives free land as long as their investment and there is also one that exempt taxes for 15, 20 and 30 years and cut electricity costs,” he said.

According to Jokowi, those moves can attract more money. Without it, unemployment will increase as can be seen in all countries due to economic slowdown.

Jokowi stressed that the government has attempted to attract investment and capital inflow to Indonesia through various economic policy packages. “Why did I instruct ministers to attract investment to regions? Because competition with other countries is getting tougher,” he said.

For that, the central government promotes capital inflow to provinces, regencies and cities. “Without money circulating in a large amount, don’t expect that welfare will improve.”

ARTIKA RACHMI FARMITA